Hello...is it me you're looking for?

So I've been MIA since January...didn't realize it had been that long! But after a (very amicable) divorce and way too long without any trips on my calendar, I'm back and traveling again!

Shortly I will be posting photos and reviews of my July trip, which started as 10 last-minute but very planned-out days of relaxation in Honduras and ended up as 24 fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants days of fun and adventure in Honduras and Belize!

I also just got back from 2 fantastic travel conferences in Las Vegas, and will be traveling for most of October, spending time in Florida (Disneyworld), Grand Cayman, San Francisco, and 5 different Tahitian islands! So many more posts to come in the following days/weeks!

Cheers to anyone still checking this blog after all these months...thanks for hanging in there - and hopefully it will be worth the wait!

Caroline

Bora Bora day 1 - St. Regis!

After a quick overnight on Tahiti, it was time to continue on to the second stop of my 2-week French Polynesian adventure! I hopped on one of the most scenic flights you can imagine, and after a quick stop on Huahine, I arrived in glorious Bora Bora!

Greeted by a delightful St. Regis staff member, I boarded the St. Regis’s luxurious boat for the 10-minute ride over to the resort. I was checked in on the boat, so upon arrival there was no paperwork to delay my enjoyment of the resort.

After being greeted upon arrival with a chilled towel and freshly made iced tea, I met the wonderful Marion, who took me on a tour of this stunning property.  The largest resort in French Polynesia in terms of acreage, the St. Regis offers not only fantastic luxury, but also a ton of space and privacy. The staff is also the friendliest I’ve ever encountered in French Polynesia, and I was extremely impressed by how many knew my name immediately and greeted me with it every time they saw me!

A few photos of the resort after the jump...

Early morning in Bora Bora

My first morning at the Bora Bora Pearl, I woke just before the sun, at about 5AM. As the first light appeared over the top of Otemanu, I grabbed my camera and headed out for a sunrise walk down the beach and along the pontoons; one of my very favorite things to do!

 

Dawn here is so incredibly peaceful, with only the sounds of nature - the gentle ocean lapping at the beach and against the stilts of overwater bungalows; a gentle breeze rustling the fronds of coconut palms; seabirds calling out as they soar and swoop through the sky; thousands of fishing flitting and flopping as they search for breakfast. At this time of day, you’re almost guaranteed to see a stingray glide gracefully through the water – and this morning was no exception.

As the light got a bit brighter, I saw sand-colored flounder slipping over the ocean floor like ghosts, almost impossible to see but for small flickers of movement. Large schools of beautiful butterfly fish danced a water ballet to the music of the flute fish, as they all flitted and flirted and fed.

And a lone Picasso triggerfish stalked me, waiting for the moment when a part of my body would touch the water and he could seek his revenge for whatever the hell it was I did in a former life that has turned this entire species of fish against me.  (Note: for the back story on all this, click here.) Luckily, I thwarted his sneak attack on my ankle from behind at the last second, and even managed to not drop my camera in the water while jumping out of his reach. Caroline: 1, Picasso Triggerfish species: 47. Pleased to have finally gotten on the scoreboard, at least.

 The pink streaks of sky and golden rays of early morning sun accentuate the already unparalleled beauty of this island to make it seem even more like something out a dream – this must be just what heaven looks like!

Intercontinental Tahiti Resort

I’m currently in a gorgeous Beach Bungalow at the Bora Bora Pearl, reflecting over my fantastic first couple of days in French Polynesia! I arrived late on Wednesday night, and went directly onto my favorite Tahiti resort, the Intercontinental. The Panoramic View Room I was in was lovely, with a stunning view out to Moorea.

After some much needed sleep, I woke to a gentle sunrise and spent some time walking the resort grounds and taking some photos before my flight to Bora Bora.

Next up: St. Regis Bora Bora!

My adventure begins! Two weeks in French Polynesia!

As I write this, I'm flying from Atlanta to Los Angeles to connect with a flight to Tahiti! This will be my 5th trip to the magical islands of French Polynesia, and each time I love them even more. Follow along with me as I spend time on Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Manihi, and Moorea, bringing you the most up-to-date news and photos of unreal resorts, excellent excursions, delectable dining, cool culture, and stunning scenes from paradise!

Fly to Tahiti for only $899!

For travel January 28-March 31, Air Tahiti Nui is offering a fabulous airfare deal between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti. For only $899 per person including all taxes and fees, you can fly to this dream island for up to 5 days - believe me, it's worth the trip!

For more information or to book your Tahitian getaway, feel free to email me at caroline@easyescapestravel.com!

Fabulous deal at Sofitels in Moorea and Bora Bora!

For travel now through March 31, book 5 nights at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort or the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach & Private Island and pay for only 3, plus get free daily breakfast! Honeymooners will also receive a host of added perks, including a 30-minute couples massage, bottle of champagne, and other special gifts!

This special is valid on the following room categories:
Sofitel Moorea - Luxury Beach Bungalow, Superior Overwater Bungalow, Luxury Overwater Bungalow

 Sofitel Bora Bora - all categories except Luxury Lagoon Front Bungalow

To take advantage of this super special, contact me at Caroline@easyescapestravel.com!

Pay 5/Stay 10 in French Polynesia extended!!

Because there's no bad time to visit paradise, Pearl Resorts have re-upped their amazing "stay 10/pay 5" deal for November 1, 2011-April 30, 2012! If you love fabulous resorts, rich culture, delectable food, and the most stunning scenery on earth, take advantage of this deal - it's not likely to come along again soon!
For more information on this deal: http://travelprincessatl.blogspot.com/2011/01/incredible-last-minute-deal-to-french.html

Go ahead, tell me you don't wish you were here right now!

Incredible last minute deal to French Polynesia - 10 nights for the price of 5!

Baby, it's COLD outside! But why stay indoors when you could be sunning yourself on the beach in the famed islands of French Polynesia? Book now for travel through March 31st, and you can get 5 or more nights free!

Here's how it works:
Book 5 or more nights at the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa or the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort Spa in an Overwater or Premium Overwater Bungalow...
And then receive the same number of nights free in ANY room category at Huahine Te Tiare Beach Resort, Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort, or Manihi Pearl Beach Resort! Having trouble deciding where to use your free nights? No problem - they can be split between any of these gorgeous properties!


For more details, please feel free to contact me at caroline@easyescapestravel.com!


Need a few more reasons to take advantage of this incredible offer? Check out the photos below from my stays at these resorts and islands, along with the top reasons for visiting each of them!
Disclaimer: I have not yet stayed at Manihi Pearl Beach Resort, so photos of that property are courtesy of spmhotels.com.

Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa
Great for those looking:
*To not travel far from Tahiti - Moorea is accessible via a 10 minute flight or 30 minute ferry from Papeete!
*To experience a gorgeous, lush, and laid-back tropical island, while still having access to plenty of activities and excursions
*To experience an island that is less developed than Tahiti or Bora Bora, but not totally off the beaten path
*To explore via a car or buggy--the island can be circumnavigated in a few hours!
*To interact with dolphins
*To visit a fruit juice and tropical liqueur distillery (and enjoy free tastings!)
*To see sea turtles from the deck of your overwater bungalow
*To get married in paradise, complete with traditional Polynesian wedding leis  
*To hike up to Belvedere Lookout for great views of Cooks Bay, the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's "One Particular Harbour"
 

Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
Great for those looking:
*To spend time on the most iconic of French Polynesia's islands
*To swim (or just float!) in a crystal clear lagoon often referred to as "the eighth natural wonder of the world"
*To enjoy the sun rising over Bora Bora's famed Mt. Otemanu
*To swim with sharks and stingrays
*To have dinner at Bloody Mary's, the island's most famous restaurant and legendary celebrity hangout
*To stay in an overwater bungalow in the waters off a motu (tiny coral island)
*To snorkel in coral gardens teeming with colorful and exotic sea life
*To slip into pure bliss with a couple's massage at the gorgeous Manea Spa

Te Tiare Beach Resort, Huahine
Great for those looking:
*To take a peek into traditional Polynesian life
*To visit the island's sacred blue-eyed, long "eared" eels
*To rent a car and explore 2 islands at once - Huahine Iti and Huahine Nui
*To relax in an incredibly beautiful and tranquil setting
*To enjoy a classically Polynesian dinner and show

 

Tikehau Pearl Beach Resort
Great for those looking:
*To snorkel or dive among incredible sea life - in a recent study, the Jacques Cousteau Institute found that Tikehau has the highest concentration and variety of marine life in all of French Polynesia
*To enjoy a "luxury Robinson Crusoe" experience
*To really get away from it all in a remote and gorgeous location
*To explore one of the quietest and least-touristed villages in the South Pacific
*To spot birds during a 1/2 day trip to Oe Oe (Bird Island), a nesting spot for noddys and white fairy terns
*To kayak to deserted motus for a picnic lunch

 
 
 
 
 

Manihi Pearl Beach Resort

Great for those looking:
*To visit a pearl farm
*To snorkel and dive with schools of sharks, manta rays, barracuda, and other large fish
*To get off the beaten path, while still enjoying resort amenities and excellent service
*To eat seafood that was caught in the lagoon only minutes before
*To have a breakfast delivered to your overwater bungalow via outrigger canoe
*To go deep sea fishing